Help Filter Flow Setup

HI guys,

Please can someone help me with the correct filtration placement in my tank.

I have a roma 200 and its running a fluval u4 internal, the filter is placed back left corner on the spray bar function (B) pretty low in the tank and running the length of the tank across the plants providing gentle flow/movement

I have today added a Tetra EX800 external to the tank but I am struggling with the correct placement of everything without getting an odd flow or major dead spots. I don't want a super strong current going on either as my bolivians don't like it. So I have the outlet on a spray bar under water providing a good ripple to the surface, I currently have this placed on back left, basically over the U4 . The outflow from the bar is facing the front of the tank. The inlet is currently back right corner. Now all this doesn't seem right to me! Is it ok as is or should I move things? If so, how please? I've got a headache just from getting the internal set up!!! I guess perhaps the spray bar needs moving to the left end of glass running the length instead? It's currently providing flow in the opposite direction to the u4 isn't it?

I'll try get a pic as I'm aware my description may be a little hard to visualise!

 

Excuse the awful glare and very crude annotations! the line showing the spray bar is showing its location not its flow!

 

My canister filter is pretty strong. Instead of th spray bar, I use the flow directer with it pointed from the bank to the front of the tank glass. The water flow looks like a raging river...untI it hits the glass in the front and then get dispersed to both sides. The water going to the sides is diffused enough to keep the flow on the gentle side. The fish have almost still areas to chill without any dead spots in the tank. I even have a male betta in the tank that only get disturbed when he crosses the output current.

HI guys,

Please can someone help me with the correct filtration placement in my tank.

I have a roma 200 and its running a fluval u4 internal, the filter is placed back left corner on the spray bar function (B) pretty low in the tank and running the length of the tank across the plants providing gentle flow/movement

I have today added a Tetra EX800 external to the tank but I am struggling with the correct placement of everything without getting an odd flow or major dead spots. I don't want a super strong current going on either as my bolivians don't like it. So I have the outlet on a spray bar under water providing a good ripple to the surface, I currently have this placed on back left, basically over the U4 . The outflow from the bar is facing the front of the tank. The inlet is currently back right corner. Now all this doesn't seem right to me! Is it ok as is or should I move things? If so, how please? I've got a headache just from getting the internal set up!!! I guess perhaps the spray bar needs moving to the left end of glass running the length instead? It's currently providing flow in the opposite direction to the u4 isn't it?

I'll try get a pic as I'm aware my description may be a little hard to visualise!

 

My canister filter is pretty strong. Instead of th spray bar, I use the flow directer with it pointed from the bank to the front of the tank glass. The water flow looks like a raging river...untI it hits the glass in the front and then get dispersed to both sides. The water going to the sides is diffused enough to keep the flow on the gentle side. The fish have almost still areas to chill without any dead spots in the tank. I even have a male betta in the tank that only get disturbed when he crosses the output current.

The current doesn't seem too strong really, I'm more concerned that I'm creating a bizarre flow pattern with the spray bar and U4 at odds in terms of directional output? Or does it not matter that much? I've never used an external before so this is all new to me

 

The current doesn't seem too strong really, I'm more concerned that I'm creating a bizarre flow pattern with the spray bar and U4 at odds in terms of directional output? Or does it not matter that much? I've never used an external before so this is all new to me

As long as both are running, both are filtering and as long as ther is at least mild water flow throughout the entire tank, it won't matter.

 

Ok

As long as both are running, both are filtering and as long as ther is at least mild water flow throughout the entire tank, it won't matter.

thank you, that's put my mind at rest. The spray bar on the external is quite long really, and I have it angled slightly upwards across the water surface so I guess its not providing all that much excess current now I think about it

 

Ok

thank you, that's put my mind at rest. The spray bar on the external is quite long really, and I have it angled slightly upwards across the water surface so I guess its not providing all that much excess current now I think about it

You're welcome and the set up sounds good.

 

Thanks, hoping I'll have crystal clear water soon!